The warm liquid, salty sweet,
Dripping down my face, down my cheeks
Onto my lips, my tongue, down my chin,
My neck, my chest, my shoulders
Arms, wrists, hands and legs

Blinding speed, quick as lightening,
Blood pounding in my ears,
In my throat, my wrists, in my veins
My forearms, my thighs, my fingers
Pulsing, rushing, pumping

Quick shallow breaths
Deeply filling my lungs
Panting through my mouth
Catching in my throat
Holding me, choking me

Body shaking, shuddering
Unable to stand still
Wobbling, wavering, quavering
A tremor deep inside me,
Muscles taut

Straightening up, hands on my head
Eyes on the ceiling, unfocused
Chest heaving, temples throbbing
Legs trembles, arms quiver
A voice in my head…

Harder…
Faster…
Stronger…

Breathing contained, pulse slowing
Body loosening, and relaxing
Eyes refocus, jaw locks
Teeth grinding together
Starting again

Blood…
Sweat…
Tears…

The makings of a champion